Aphids, Slugs and Snails: Oh My!

Sustainable ways to keep damaging pests away.

Attacked by aphids? Stricken with snails?
Sometimes the smallest pests can do the most damage in your garden. But
you don't have to resort to chemical-based pesticides to discourage -
or downright evict - bugs, slugs and other small garden enemies. Here
are some tried-and-true tactics for keeping them away, naturally:

See how to use items from your kitchen to keep squirrels and other pests away.

An Ounce of Prevention: The
surest way to keep garden insects at bay is to grow healthy,
disease-free plants that are a more difficult target for bugs and can
withstand the occasional attack more readily. Regularly inspect leaves
for discoloration or damage, and remove, deadhead or pinch off diseased
plants or leaves. Appropriate watering for your plant’s needs and
healthy, nutrient-rich soil will also help keep your plants healthy.
Keep weeds under control, as they can create a safe haven for pests.

Make 'Em Prey:
One great way to keep pests away is to attract their natural predators
to your garden. Your approach may vary depending on the type of pest
you’re dealing with. For example, aphids – also known as “plant lice” –
are the prey of wasps, ladybugs, and lacewings, while ground-dwelling
slugs fear ground beetles, lizards, toads…and snakes. Research ways to
attract the types of critters that can wipe out your pest problem for
you!

Unsafe Passage: Creeping pests like slugs,
snails and caterpillars approach your plants from the ground – so make
it a sharp, dangerous place. Spread crushed eggshells beneath the
targeted plants and creepy-crawlies will move along.

Make A Stink:
Many aromatic herbs, like yarrow, citronella, mint, fennel, catnip,
basil, and lemongrass are natural deterrents for garden pests from
aphids to potato beetles. As an added bonus, some of these herbs also
attract the predators that keep pests under control.

Choose Your Poison:
Flour, salt, beer: all substances that are completely safe for humans,
but that can be seriously toxic to insects, slugs and snails. This
article offers several natural, DIY pesticide recipes you can use to wipe out your unwanted guests.

Doesn't epsom salt work best? For weeds too. And for pests I think it's best to get D.E. - Diatomaceous earth or diatomite. I also once made this weird anti-bug pest spray with vinegar, baking soda and seaweed in water. It's supposed to repel insects. Thanks for the article
Lorelai @ http://www.pestcontrol-towerhamlets.co.uk/